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Cycle mechanic

Alternative titles for this job include Bike mechanic, bicycle technician

Cycle mechanics build, repair and service all kinds of bikes.

Average salary (a year)

£20,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 44 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a cycle mechanic

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist private training courses

College

You'll find it useful to have a recognised qualification like the Level 2 Certificate in Cycle Maintenance.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a bicycle mechanic intermediate apprenticeship.

This usually takes around 18 months to complete as a mix of on the job learning and study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as a retail assistant in a bike shop and apply for a role as a trainee mechanic. Your employer may pay for your training.

Other Routes

You could study for technical cycle maintenance qualifications offered by Cytech.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • analytical thinking skills
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • problem-solving skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • build a new bike to a customer's specification
  • identify problems with a bike
  • estimate the cost of repairs and give quotes
  • carry out a bike service and safety check
  • carry out repairs, maintenance tasks and replace parts
  • order bike parts and keep a log of stock
  • take bookings for repairs and process paperwork
  • liaise with suppliers and dealers
  • attend cycling events to provide repairs and technical support

Working environment

You could work in a workshop or at a store.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could progress to a large organisation like British Cycling, who employ specialist mechanics working for the British racing team.

With 3 to 5 years' experience you could progress to head mechanic.

You could also become self-employed and set up a mobile bike mechanic business, or open your own shop.

The Cycling Experts have more information on setting up a bike shop.

As an experienced and qualified cycle mechanic you could also move into teaching other mechanics.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Cycle Technician & Retail Operative

  • Wage: £140.40 Weekly
  • Location: Not known

Apprenticeship in Bicycle Mechanics

  • Wage: £156.00 Weekly
  • Location: London
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Vehicle Maintenance (Motor Cycle) Level 1 Diploma

  • Provider: CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 13 September 2022
  • Location: Chichester

Certificate in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Motor Cycle

  • Provider: NORTH WARWICKSHIRE AND SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 12 September 2022
  • Location: NUNEATON
Find courses near you

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